tag:claytoven.com,2005:/blogs/the-latestThe Latest2023-12-03T20:50:34-08:00Claytovenfalsetag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/73135312023-12-03T20:50:34-08:002023-12-03T20:51:31-08:00Robin Duhe Concert<p>September 30, 2023</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/24f3814dcc2a269e8eea79c674cbe71c67599f20/original/384116873-10229004951842841-2417468414196025071-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">The 1st Annual Elk Grove Jazz Festival was a wonderful experience. I have gained another level of respect for Robin Duhe (former bassist for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly) , his amazing talent, and his humble spirit. I also had the good fortune of running into family and friends that I hadn’t seen in a while. What a great day!!!</span></p><p>Robin's latest album, “The Journey”, featuring the single, “I Want You”. I'm blessed with being one of the singers on the project. Please click below to hear the album.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://frontl.ink/onvo4xy">https://frontl.ink/onvo4xy</a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/c2693e47372a8813792b2ccac8262ecf37189933/original/386081895-10229082762228052-7766156738433865194-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-small"><i>above (l to r) Kevin Scott, me, Gary Smith, Robin Duhe, Larry Batiste</i></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/bf11fdbeedaf7e2aa920985c4650292c7a01bf2f/original/385502678-10229082797788941-4221608305493619513-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-small"><i>above (l to r) Jimmy Hildreth, me, Larry Batiste, Gary Smith</i></span></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/73135282023-12-02T22:53:16-08:002023-12-03T20:15:14-08:0013th Annual GMS Awards<p>March 5, 2023</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/fbed60ac6657ef4eac582cd33fa4a3daa74b8b1c/original/img-4862.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_inline border_" /></p><p>This evening we made it to Los Angeles to go to the Guild of Music Supervisor's 13th Annual GMS Awards. The show and after party were a blast!!! We unfortunately didn't win, but it was amazing to have been nominated. Plus, I had a chance to hang out with old friends. We'll get 'em next year.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/3eec731560ee99e5b16741a17135a900a971f685/original/image951.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_inline border_" /><br><span class="text-small">(Fellow nominees and old friends (l-r) Kevin Toney, Larry Batiste, and Bill Summers.)</span></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/73135022023-12-02T21:19:42-08:002023-12-02T21:55:16-08:00Time For A Little Old Skool<p>March 2, 2023<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/2e286d572ba9dbb066d87d56dd899b1daef10486/original/bill-summers-and-summers-heat-v4.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p><p>The long awaited Bill Summers and Summers Heat (MCA & Prestige Records Catalogs) has been released digitally by Concord Records. Well, I've been waiting for it to be released digitally (LOL). What an incredible blessing to have been a part of this band!!! Please check out our catalog when you have a moment at the below sites:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;">
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=bill%20summers%20and%20summers%20heat" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Apple Music</a></li>
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/search/bill%20summers%20and%20summers%20heat/albums" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Spotify</a></li>
<li>on Pandora search for “Bill Summers and Summers Heat” album</li>
</ul><p>In the meantime, please enjoy this flashback of us performing “At The Concert” on Soul Train.</p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="v1rmxWz3CBY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v1rmxWz3CBY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/73134362023-12-02T12:35:17-08:002023-12-02T12:39:04-08:00Songs of Romance Concert<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/0a37ba76229ab6cd68529b333e8305c0e9c38931/original/songs-of-romance-photo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>February 11, 2023</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/3de28c500c20c9c34bc3ca8d89f0c93c0d225ead/original/the-orchestra.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The “Songs of Romance” Concert with the South Dakota Symphony was a huge success. Here's one of the articles that led up to the concert, “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/02/11/sd-symphony-performing-songs-romance-washington-pavilion-saturday-night-with-special-guest/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Songs of Romance</a>”. The interview was done during the dress rehearsal the day before. The concert was a perfect blend of the Jazz and Classical worlds. Luke Carlsen's performance was fantastic, and the audience was totally into the show. What an honor to be a part of this amazing concert as one of the music arrangers/orchestrators.</p><p>Check <a class="no-pjax" data-link-type="page" href="/songs-of-romance-photos" data-link-label="Songs of Romance Photos">here </a>for a few pictures.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71513112023-02-09T13:26:08-08:002023-12-02T11:04:10-08:00Luke Carlsen with the South Dakota Symphony<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392789/a2fe78bb0582ef3923a5e705e80605ffd6d67490/original/luke-carlsen-at-mike-1024x679.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p><p>February 9, 2023</p><p>Checkout this amazing <a class="no-pjax" href="https://pigeon605.com/sioux-falls-native-jazz-crooner-returns-from-california-to-sing-with-symphony/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">article</a> on the upcoming Luke Carlsen Concert with the South Dakota Symphony. I’m so excited about this show.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://pigeon605.com/sioux-falls-native-jazz-crooner-returns-from-california-to-sing-with-symphony/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Sioux Falls Native Returns from California to Sing with Symphony</a></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71433352023-01-25T23:05:13-08:002023-01-26T02:44:48-08:00GMS Nomination<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/d4a9d77d53f63d82e8f0fdc22c94da0e8dcfd3f3/original/c948853c-45e0-40dc-bd85-e6509d10a93e.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="GMS Awards Logo" />January 26, 2023</p>
<p>Claytoven is proud to announce that he, along with co-writers, Larry Batiste, Isaac Earl Bynum, Khia Chambers, Brittany Dickinson, Aida Goitom, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Seandrea Sledge, Bill Summers. Kevin Toney, and Michael J. Williams have been nominated for the prestigious GMS Award in the category…</p>
<p><strong>Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television</strong></p>
<p>“<strong>Seduce & Scheme</strong>” – “<strong>Rap Sh!t</strong>” – Season 1 Ep. 3 – “Something for the Hood”, Ep. 4 – “Something for the Clubs”, Ep. 5 – “Something for the Weekend”, Ep. 6 – “Something for the Gram”, Ep. 7 – “Something for the DJ”, Ep. 8 – “Something for the Road” <br><strong>Songwriters</strong>: Larry Batiste, Isaac Earl Bynum, Khia Chambers, Brittany Dickinson, Aida Goitom, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Claytoven Richardson, Seandrea Sledge, Bill Summers. Kevin Toney, Michael J. Williams <br><strong>Performers</strong>: Shawna & Mia <br><strong>Music</strong> <strong>Supervisors</strong>: Sarah Bromberg, Stephanie Diaz-Matos, Philippe Pierre</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71436352023-01-25T22:39:59-08:002023-01-26T02:44:48-08:00Commendation<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/25d3093f5c40ca52f19fb0e6a2abbc830de734f5/original/img-0870-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="Claytoven & Oakland CM Loren Taylor" />January 25, 2023</p>
<p>On January 7th Claytoven was awarded a Commendation by Councilmember Loren Taylor (City of Oakland District 6) for his invaluable contributions to East Oakland.</p>
<p>"Thank you for this acknowledgement CM Taylor. I will continue to work hard for the East Oakland Community."</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/9e326cb80071e432ab5b92353e0c61a1fe6655cb/original/commendation.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Commendation" /></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71362932023-01-10T19:59:45-08:002023-01-25T10:40:26-08:00"I Wanna Dance With Somebody"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/a7050b130a9b34676749d59ce5247c9b2987c6c9/original/iwdws-official-poster.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Movie Poster" /></p>
<p>January 6, 2023 </p>
<p>It is such an honor to be a part of this biographical musical drama celebrating the amazing Whitney Houston, "<a contents="I Wanna Dance With Somebody" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/iwannadancewithsomebody" target="_blank">I Wanna Dance With Somebody</a>". I am blessed to be singing background vocals on eight of the songs featured in the movie. Thank you to Narada Michael Walden (Music Producer), who in 1990 gave me the opportunity to be a part of Whitney’s incredible musical journey. </p>
<p>Please check out this triumphant celebration in movie theaters now.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71317732023-01-02T20:51:37-08:002023-01-02T21:15:41-08:00"Seduce & Scheme"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/2289d379488c2f2d690d92422a973c23fd470c10/original/rap-shit-poster.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Rap Sh!t Official Poster" />December 27, 2022<br>Written by Cameryn Richardson</p>
<p>In 1981, band Bill Summers & Summers Heat released "We Call It the Box", written by Bill Summers, Claytoven Richardson, Kevin Toney, and Larry Batiste. Khia (the artist behind the song "My Neck, My Back") sampled "We Call it The Box" as the basis of her mega-hit "K-Wang" in 2002. The song inspired a viral dance challenge and has since become a Florida party staple. Today, a sample of "K-Wang's" instrumental can be found in the song "Seduce & Scheme" by Shawna & Mia (characters played by actress Aida Osman and rapper KaMillion), written for Issa Rae's new comedy series <em>Rap Sh!t</em>.</p>
<p>Check out "<a contents="Seduce &amp; Scheme" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S69nOSH_4rw" target="_blank">Seduce & Scheme</a>" from <em>Rap Sh!t</em>, <a contents="now streaming on HBOMax" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://play.hbomax.com/page/urn:hbo:page:GYrIprARPDYyFwwEAAAAE:type:series" target="_blank">now streaming on HBOMax</a>. <em>(Warning: Adult content on both links)</em></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71033492022-11-16T01:30:29-08:002023-01-10T20:33:50-08:00"Beautiful Girl" - Les Femmes Fatales<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/717b2a1f9697fb068881654032d0837705ae7413/original/screen-shot-2022-11-16-at-12-56-55-am-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="Beautiful Girl Cover" />October 28, 2022</p>
<p>Group members, Sakai and Nikita Germaine, along with their producer, Kevin “Darkside” Smith have come up with an amazing song, “Beautiful Girl”. They further blessed me with the honor of being a part of this project as the String Arranger.</p>
<p>With all that is happening in this world today the song carries a message that is more important that ever. Nikita says it best, ““Beautiful Girl” is the song playing in my head these days, reminding me to embrace my unique beauty. With so much noise and media pressure, I suspect I am not the only one who can use this message.” </p>
<p>Please check out “<a contents="Beautiful Girl” on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7H9cgdyi4h5QEzvCoZlMJT?si=UwkjkHxlTauUz607NEILMg&fbclid=IwAR02J_yIiKNbBxhLQHwMXlBTE3zbl-efMIqQAZsFQnZk2OzKgVxPgDpm1QE&nd=1">Beautiful Girl” on Spotify</a>.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/71005882022-11-11T14:48:37-08:002023-12-02T20:20:32-08:00Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/070bf131683196505e36df66fa41f1af685a08e0/original/the-session.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_" alt="At the studio board." />October 17, 2022</p><p>At the famous studio, United Recording in Los Angeles, California, I had the privilege of producing three songs on the band, Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm. The recording session was amazing. What a pleasure to be working with recording engineer, Steve Genewick. He captured an amazing sound in this historic studio. Thanks to Luke, The Fresh Rhythm Band, Michael Seaman (Band Arranger-Keyboardist), Steve G, the United Recording crew, Saul Perez (my right-hand man), and a host of others for making this a seamless and truly enjoyable experience.</p><p>I met Luke and the band about a year ago during their show at the supper club in Los Angeles, Vibrato. As a matter of fact, they will be performing at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.vibratogrilljazz.com/music" data-link-type="url" contents="Vibrato on December 3rd">Vibrato on December 3rd</a>.</p><p>Their project will be released sometime early next year, but in the meantime please enjoy some of the <a class="no-pjax" href="/luke-carlsen-session-photos" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Luke Carlsen Session Photos" contents="photos from the session">photos from the recording session</a>. Also, if you want to find out more about <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lukecarlsen.com/" data-link-type="url" contents="Luke Carlsen">Luke Carlsen</a> please be sure to check out his <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lukecarlsen.com/" data-link-type="url" contents="website">website</a>.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/68962122022-02-12T17:09:07-08:002023-01-10T20:32:47-08:00"Sing 2"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/8b53a37f43e88d1ee17d0eb3331f9118b86025ce/original/sing2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="Sing 2 Poster" /></p>
<p>February 9, 2022</p>
<p>Thank you... Blessings keep coming. I sang background vocals on the Whitney Houston song, "Higher Love" some years ago. Now it is in the Illumination movie, "Sing 2". My daughter had to let me know about this one. Shows you how little I pay attention 🤣🤣</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/68962072022-02-12T16:47:08-08:002022-11-11T14:44:20-08:00Hank Scheer CD Release<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/c0e77d9e067beae64d4ebf840225ec97b8f09b5d/original/celebration-hank-scheer.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>February 4, 2022</p>
<p>The new Hank Scheer CD Single is out, "Celebration/Allin the Timing". I had an amazing time singing for this project. Be on the look out for this single.</p>
<p> </p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/67118062021-08-09T20:59:01-07:002022-02-12T17:31:13-08:00The Journey Is Complete<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/e08db29219a463acab804689527190b299e1f7a5/original/img-3968.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>August 9, 2021</p>
<p>After completing a couple of last classes, my graduation is complete!! Today I finally received my diploma from Berklee College of Music...Summa Cum Laude (yeah). This was a lot of hard , but rewarding work. I feel truly blessed and grateful.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/66651562021-06-22T23:01:35-07:002023-01-02T21:15:27-08:00Gaitta "No Salt"<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zwiQUApGbNE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zwiQUApGbNE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zwiQUApGbNE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>June 22, 2021</p>
<p>Put on your seat belts and get ready for Firstquake Entertainment artist, Gaitta and his soon to be released single, “No Salt”. Just want to give you a taste of this exciting new artist. More to come. So stay tuned.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/66502712021-06-05T01:16:50-07:002023-01-02T21:15:41-08:00Meet Question<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/0400eab89a94b06e944b6966f8a4b911aa4c84d2/original/question-photo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />May 26, 2021</p>
<p>Meet Firstquake Entertainment artist/producer Question in an article written by Morgan Ends for the Recording Academy (the GRAMMYS) at <a contents="GRAMMY.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-interview-blind-rapper-producer-question-accessibility" target="_blank">GRAMMY.com</a>. A special shout out to Larry Batiste for helping to make this happen.</p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/66448342021-05-31T10:35:00-07:002021-06-05T00:47:22-07:00What An Honor!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/ba9829cd20f2eb9c65798e1d78f6e430fd74a1d7/original/castlemont-hs-08-hof.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />May 22, 2021</p>
<p>Friends and former classmates, Claytoven Richardson, James Coffee, and Larry Batiste were honored by their alma mater in Oakland, CA with the Castlemont High School "Phil Reeder Performing Arts" Hall of Fame Alumni Award. This award is giving to alums that have displayed excellence in music, and has given back to their community. <em>(<a contents="For more photos" data-link-label="What An Honor Photos" data-link-type="page" href="/what-an-honor-photos">For more photos</a> by Bob White Photography)</em></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/66444972021-05-30T20:55:23-07:002021-06-05T00:46:43-07:00Hank Scheer Session<p>May 19, 2021</p>
<p>What an amazing recording session!! Larry Batiste, Naté Soulsanger, Sandy Griffith, and I were at Skyline Studios in Oakland, CA singing background for the artist, Hank Scheer on his upcoming release. Stay tuned for the release date. <em>(<a contents="For more photos" data-link-label="Hank Scheer Photos" data-link-type="page" href="/hank-scheer-photos">For more photos</a>)</em>. This is only the second time that I have been able to do a live, post Covid recording session.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/d33a2eed4c283a88c8b207c5fe53833ded4cb9bd/original/187178183-10223694960096366-4476163650541883543-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Claytoventag:claytoven.com,2005:Post/66444832021-05-30T20:42:13-07:002021-05-31T10:07:32-07:00Berklee Graduation<p>May 8, 2021</p>
<p>I am finally made it to the finish line of graduating from Berklee College of Music with my BPS in Interdisciplinary Music Studies. </p>
<p>I want to send out my most heartfelt thanks to my daughter, Cameryn Richardson, and my sister, Ferne Franklin for being my rock and inspiration during this amazing journey. </p>
<p>I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392789/7e9324e2a861166e0169e63017077d2d862f1ec9/original/graduation.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Claytoven